Ibn ‘Abbas reported Maimuna as saying, "I set out water for the Prophet to wash and concealed him with a garment. He poured water on his hands and washed them, then poured water with his right hand over his left, then washed his private parts, then put his hand on the ground and wiped it. He then washed it, rinsed his mouth, snuffed up water, washed his face and forearms, then poured water over his head and emptied it out over his body, after which he moved aside and washed his feet. I handed him a garment, but he did not take it; he went off shaking his hands."(Bukhari and Muslim, the wording being Bukhari’s.)
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 436
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
The Excellence of Concealment During Purification
The noble companion Maimuna's action of concealing the Prophet (peace be upon him) with a garment demonstrates the importance of modesty and covering one's private parts during purification, even when alone. This teaches us that the 'awrah (private parts) must be concealed from view at all times, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings regarding haya' (modesty).
The Sequence of Wudu and Ghusl
The Prophet's actions show the proper sequence for purification when both wudu (ablution) and ghusl (ritual bath) are required. He began by washing his hands, then washing the private parts, then performing wudu before proceeding to wash the entire body. This demonstrates that when both are needed, one should perform wudu within ghusl rather than separately.
The Wisdom of Washing Hands First
Beginning purification by washing the hands three times is a sunnah that serves both spiritual and physical cleanliness. The hands are the primary instruments for touching impurities, so cleansing them first prevents contaminating other body parts during purification.
The Significance of Rubbing Hands on Ground
When the Prophet placed his hand on the ground after washing his private parts, scholars explain this was to remove any remaining impurity through the purifying quality of earth. This action demonstrates that when water alone may not sufficiently cleanse, additional means like clean earth may be utilized.
The Comprehensive Nature of Ghusl
The Prophet's method of pouring water over his head and letting it flow over his entire body shows that ghusl requires water to reach every part of the body. The movement aside to wash the feet separately ensures no part is neglected, teaching us the importance of thoroughness in ritual purification.
The Practice of Shaking Hands
The Prophet's refusal of the garment and shaking of his hands demonstrates the sunnah of removing excess water without wasting it. This teaches moderation in using water and avoiding extravagance, even in acts of worship. The shaking action helps dry the body naturally while conserving water.